Sturridge pace could cause Barca problems, but Liverpool must score early to stand any chance

LOTHAR Matthaus is SunSport’s European expert.
The German legend is convinced Liverpool will give every last drop of sweat at Anfield tonight:
Alamy Live German legend Lothar Matthaus insists Daniel Sturridge has to start for Liverpool against Barcelona at Anfield
I’ve never seen a team dominate Barcelona in the Nou Camp like Liverpool did for 70 or 80 per cent of the first match.
But the result was a bad one. They have to score early to have any real chance.NO MO
Now Mo Salah is out, Daniel Sturridge has to play, for a simple reason – pace.
Barcelona really struggle against quick players, who are brave enough to run behind them.
Sturridge can do that. And speed is what Xherdan Shaqiri doesn’t have.
We saw from the first leg that, even without Salah, Liverpool will create chances.
They didn’t take them. This time they have to take every chance.
A RIGHT MESSI
If you predict that Lionel Messi will score, in any game, you’ve got an 80 per cent chance of being right.
The killer one last week was a good free-kick – but, for me, Alisson HAD to catch it.
The wall was too long, a handicap for Alisson.
Messi struck it well but he was a long way out and doesn’t hit the ball like Ronaldo does. Everyone was talking about “more magic from Messi” but if Alisson had only three in the wall and a better look at the flight he would have been able to save it.
ANFIELD NIGHT
The Liverpool fans have to be a key player. They must make it a special night at Anfield.
I know Jurgen will tell his players everything is possible, that they showed in Barcelona how they can hurt this team.
That’s where the fans have to play their part to create a special atmosphere, make it feel like a semi-final, where everyone believes in something incredible.

VERDICT
Last year everyone thought it was all over after Barca beat Roma 4-1 in the first leg but they lost 3-0 and went out.
Of course, 3-0 would only take it to extra-time but then it will be really up in the air.
Liverpool will do everything possible. The problem is that they are playing Barcelona.
I just fear it’s too much to ask for, that in the last 20 minutes the space will open up and Barcelona will score.
Prediction: Liverpool 4 Barcelona 1.
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